Braintree: Final 'Miami' drug line leader jailed

The final leading member of the ‘Miami’ drug line has been jailed for seven years thanks to the commitment of our detectives.

Our investigation into this drug supply network was driven by Operation Raptor and Operation Orochi – specialist teams dedicated to tackling county lines gangs.

It began with a single text message advertising the sale of Class A drugs in the Braintree district.

This message proved to be the starting point in identifying the key players in the drug line, 27-year-old Fidel Barbosa and 31-year-old Shelton Alexander.

Alexander was arrested in a search of his home in Romford Road, London in October 2023.

A ‘Miami’ drug line phone, an estimated 28g of crack cocaine and heroin and around £2,500 in cash were seized.

Alexander admitted charges of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, as well as possessing criminal property.

He was jailed for five years and six months at Chelmsford Crown Court in November 2023.

Identifying Alexander as a repeat offender, officers also pursued a Serious Crime Prevention Order against him.

This was granted at the same court in December 2023.

It will run for five years from the expected date of his release from prison, placing limits and monitoring conditions on his use of mobile phones and cash.

'Preventing further offending is key'

Officer in the case Detective Constable Harry Gould said:

“Such orders carry their own sanctions when breached and really serve as an effective tool to help deter and detect further offending.
“We’re just as focused on preventing further offending as we are on carrying out enforcement against the drug lines operating in Essex.
“It’s really important we work to minimise the impact of repeat offenders on our communities.
“That’s why we are very active in seeking measures like Serious Crime Prevention Orders.”

During the course of our investigation into Alexander, we identified Barbosa’s leading role in the drug line.

Already serving a separate sentence for drug supply, Barbosa was interviewed in prison in November 2023 and promptly charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

He denied the charges and faced a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court in November last year.

He was convicted by a jury on both counts, appearing for sentence on Thursday 30 January this year.

Her Honour Judge Mary Loram told Barbosa his denial of the charges were “a desperate attempt at a last throw of the dice”.

He was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment.

DC Gould said:

“Due to the evidence gathered against Barbosa, his attempt at avoiding an extended term in a prison cell failed and the jury rightly saw through his lies.
“The ‘Miami’ drug line saw dangerous Class A substances brought up from London for packaging and sale in individual deals on the streets of Braintree.
“We know the issues drug activity and the associated violence and anti-social behaviour brings to our communities.
“That’s why we’ve worked across both our Operation Raptor and Orochi teams to steadily build a case against those involved in this drug line, ensuring it can no longer function.
“This work has led to more than 12 years in prison terms for its two leading members.
“This is the reality and the end reward for those looking to make a quick profit out of the misery of heroin and crack cocaine addiction.”

More than 1,000 arrests in three years

Over the past three years, just shy of 1,500 people have been arrested thanks to the work of Op Raptor and Op Orochi officers.

Their targeted approach has seen a specific focus on the most dangerous and prolific offenders.

For example, of the 431 offenders arrested by the teams throughout 2024, 352 (82%) of them had indicators for other high-harm crimes such as assault and possession of weapons.

Are you worried that a friend or someone you know may be being exploited through County Lines or organised criminal activity?

Maybe they are returning home late, staying out all night or even going missing for days or weeks at a time.

Are they suddenly being secretive about who they are talking to or where they are going?

Or perhaps you’ve noticed they have large amounts of money on them, or new clothing, jewellery or phones they wouldn’t be able to afford.

Through Fearless, young people can pass on information 100% anonymously to get help.

If you need help from police, call 101 or, if it's an emergency, always call 999.